Before visiting the temple/math in Udupi, it is very important to know its history. So, before starting, let us first look at the bit of history that I have heard.
The Legacy of Shri Krishna Math
Shri Madhvacharya, a highly respected saint and philosopher, founded the Shri Krishna Math in 1298 CE. He was the main teacher of the Dvaita philosophy, which teaches that God and the soul are separate but connected through devotion.

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The Sacred Idol of Lord Krishna
During his travels, Shri Madhvacharya found an idol of Lord Krishna in a unique way. The idol was submerged in the Arabian Sea, hidden inside a large lump of clay. According to stories, this idol was made by Vishwakarma, the divine architect, and had been lost for a long time.


Shri Madhvacharya brought this beautiful idol to Udupi and placed it in the matha (temple) he had built. The idol, showing Lord Krishna as a young boy, became the center of worship. Since then, thousands of devotees visit the matha to pray and seek blessings from Lord Krishna
The temple in Udupi is simple but beautiful, with detailed carvings that add to its peaceful atmosphere.

Kanakana Kindi: A Symbol of Equality
One special feature of this temple is the Kanakana Kindi, a small window through which devotees can see the idol of Lord Krishna. This unique tradition comes from a heartwarming story of devotion.

A saint named Kanakadasa, who was a great devotee of Lord Krishna, was not allowed inside the temple due to social rules at the time. But his deep devotion touched Lord Krishna. It is said that the idol turned around to face the window, allowing Kanakadasa to have darshan.

Since then, the Kanakana Kindi has become a symbol of the Lord’s love and equality for all devotees.
Paryaya Tradition: A Cycle of Devotion
The matha follows a centuries-old tradition of Paryaya, where the management and worship of the temple rotate among eight mathas (monasteries) every two years. This system ensures a continuous cycle of devotion and service, uniting communities in reverence for Lord Krishna.
Anna Brahma: The Temple’s Sacred Food Tradition
The term “Anna Brahma” holds significant importance in the context of Udupi’s Sri Krishna Matha. It underscores the temple’s dedication to the practice of annadanam, or the offering of food, which is considered a sacred duty. This tradition is deeply rooted in the teachings of Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the matha, who emphasized the importance of feeding the hungry without discrimination. It is said that in Udupi, Brahma, meaning Lord Brahma, is present in the form of food. It is believed that Brahma resides in the food here. That is why the people of Udupi are leading in the hotel and hospitality business worldwide.
One of the most notable events highlighting this tradition is the “Maha Anna Santharpane,” a grand feast held during the Churnotsava celebrations following Makara Sankranti. According to local lore, even Ashwatthama, one of the seven Chiranjeevis from Indian mythology, is believed to attend this feast to receive anna prasada. This story symbolizes the temple’s commitment to serving all beings, transcending time and status.
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Travel Itinerary
We started our journey by road from Pune. It takes a total of 15 hours to reach Udupi from Pune (722 Km), so we began our trip early in the morning. We left Pune at 6:30 AM. Once you leave Pune, you pass through major cities like Satara, Karad, Kolhapur, and Belgaum. The roads are good, and every town has bypass flyover bridges, so there is no need to enter the city.
After Belgaum, there’s a place called Kittur, from where a route goes through villages like Alnavar and Haliyal. This road passes through small villages and dense forests, offering breathtaking natural beauty. This stretch, spanning about 150 to 200 kilometers, is surrounded by lush greenery and dense forest, making it a delightful drive.
On this route, you’ll come across a town called Yellapur. By the time we reached there, it was evening. To avoid night travel, we stayed at a hotel called Indraprastha in Yellapur. Before Yellapur, there are also Dandeli Forest Resorts where you can stay, but they are located about 10-15 kilometers inside from the main road. We opted for a place that was conveniently on the way.
The next morning, we had breakfast, which included benne dosa—a specialty dish of this region. Leaving Yellapur, we encountered another stretch of forest. After some distance, we continued our journey and reached Gokarna by around 11:30 AM.
At Gokarna, we visited the Mahabaleshwar Temple, Ganesh Temple, and Tambra Parvati Temple. We also spent some time at Gokarna Beach before having lunch at Hotel Navratna. After lunch, we proceeded towards Udupi.
It took us 3 hours to reach Udupi from Gokarna. The journey from Yellapur to Gokarna took about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and then another 3 hours from Gokarna to Udupi, making it a total of 5.5 to 6 hours.
Also Read: Gokarna: A Women Traveler’s Hidden Gem in India
Practical Information
Once you leave Pune, there are plenty of options for meals and snacks on the highway before reaching Kolhapur. If you plan to eat in Belgaum, make sure to decide on a hotel in advance and plan accordingly, as the entire city is bypassed via flyovers. Don’t forget to buy Belgaum’s famous Kunda and Dharwad’s Peda while passing through!
In Udupi, instead of staying in a hotel, we opted for a homestay. Since we were a group of 12 people, we booked a bungalow so that everyone could spend quality time together. Udupi has two main areas: Udupi and Manipal. The famous Shri Krishna Math/Temple is located in Udupi, while the place where we stayed was in Manipal, about 5 kilometers away from the temple. Hence, when booking accommodation, make sure to check the location beforehand.
Udupi is a fairly large city and holds significant importance as a pilgrimage site and an educational hub, which has contributed to its well-rounded development. The city and its people have preserved their ancient culture remarkably well, a fact that becomes evident at every step. The traditional wooden craftsmanship and ancient architectural styles are reflected in the houses, shops, hotels, and colonies here. The lush greenery everywhere, clean roads, and the heritage of traditional settlements make this city even more beautiful.
Darshan Tips and Dress Code
Unique Idol: The idol depicts Lord Krishna as a child holding a churning rod and rope, emphasizing His divine childhood (Balakrishna).
Dress Code:
Men: There is no strict dress code, but wearing traditional clothing like kurtas with pajamas or dhoti- uparna is recommended. Shirts must be removed before entering.
Women: There is no strict dress code for women, but wearing traditional clothing like sarees or kurtas with pajamas is recommended.
Darshan Timings:
The temple opens at 4:30 AM.
Darshan is paused from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM for daily rituals.
If the temple is crowded, you can buy a Rs 200 ticket for quicker access to darshan.
Nearby Attractions and Temples
Goshala: Visit the goshala (cow sanctuary). Donations made here may allow direct access to darshan.

Anna Prasadam: Enjoy delicious free meals offered as prasadam from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
Laddu Prasadam: Laddu prasadam is available for purchase at the counters outside the temple.

Local Attractions
The Udupi Shri Krishna Math area is home to several historic and religiously significant temples. Visiting these temples provides a spiritual and cultural experience. The following information can help you plan your visit:
Shri Chandramoulishwara Temple
- This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located near the Shri Krishna Math.
- It is believed that this temple was established by Chandra to worship Lord Shiva.
- The famous story tells how Chandra worshipped Shiva here to be freed from a curse.
Shri Anantheshwara Temple
- This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His Anantheshwara form.
- It is believed that Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita philosophy, received his education here.
Shri Vitthal Temple
- This temple worships Lord Krishna in His Vitthal form.
- The temple reflects the influence of the Warkari tradition.
Visiting these temples and experiencing the associated rituals and offerings is a deeply enriching experience.
Shopping:
Nearby shops sell spices, brass idols, and photos of deities.

Rathotsava (Chariot Festival):

View the temple’s grand chariots used for processions during festivals.
Ashta Mathas:

Explore the eight monasteries in the temple complex to learn more about their history and traditions.
Outside the temple premises, there is a restaurant called Mitra Samaj, where you can enjoy breakfast dishes prepared without onion and garlic. This place is usually very crowded, so you may have to wait for your turn. However, the wait is absolutely worth it, as the food here is extremely delicious. They serve traditional South Indian dishes, and you must try their Mangalorean buns. Don’t forget to end your meal with their signature filter coffee.

Right next to Mitra Samaj is another restaurant called Anuradha, which also serves excellent food
Udupi Shri Krishna Math is not only a place of worship but also a center for learning, promoting Sanskrit, philosophy, and devotional arts.
In the next article, let’s explore some more significant places to visit in Udupi.